Personal media player apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A compact portable, self-contained digital media player is provided whose content is not recordable or removable by a user. The content is playable in a high fidelity format. The binding of the content to the media player results in a significant degree of copyright protection. The compactness of the player enables binding of the player with various products. The self-contained aspect of the player enables it to be instant playable.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application entitled“METHOD FOR COMMERCIALIZATION AND ADVERTISING USING A PERSONAL MEDIAPLAYER,” filed Oct. 29, 2004, having Ser. No. 10/975,534, which claimspriority to provisional U.S. patent application entitled, “PERSONALMEDIA PLAYER AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF,” filed Jul. 23, 2004, having aSer. No. 60/590,364, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a portable personal mediaplayer. More particularly, the present invention relates to a personaldigital media player having a fixed, pre-loaded content for playingentertainment, advertising, providing information, education, etc. for auser.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional approaches to audio and visual media are primarily focusedon providing entertainment to the consumer. To facilitate thisobjective, entertainment-related industries have developed a diverseinventory of electronic devices that provide a mechanism for a consumerto enjoy recorded entertainment or information. Examples of such devicesinclude conventional DVD players, CD players, DAT players, mini-Discplayers, TiVo, and the like. However, all of these devices are presumedto be a consumer-purchased item, separate from the content placedtherein, the devices all having recordable content capabilities. All ofthese personal players are also designed for easy transfer of digitalcontent, by the consumer, to the players.

With the advent of digitally coded content and the ease of communicatingdigital information, copyright protection of the loaded content hasbecome an ever-increasing concern in the entertainment industry. Thereexists no satisfactory mechanism for preventing the unauthorized copyingof digital entertainment or information stored onto the player.

It is also recognized that entertainment has within it secondary orconsumer influence attributes such as advertising, cross marketing, orbranding, when used in addition to the entertainment. The full potentialof such secondary value has not been fully exploited because the playedentertainment or content is often experienced in a surrounding that isdisassociated from the seller of the player, who may be a sponsor of theentertainment or content. Thus, secondary value, such as tying thecontent in the player to the seller's venue cannot be exploited.

Therefore, there has been a longstanding need for systems and methodsthat safeguard copyright protection and also enable correlation of thecontent with the seller's venue or objective.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one example aspect, the present invention is directedto a personal media player. The personal media player generally includesa user-inaccessible memory having preloaded digital content storedtherein, wherein the digital content is inalterable by a user; amicroprocessor coupled to the memory; a user interface, coupled to themicroprocessor, adapted for receiving user input indicative of a desiredmanipulation of the digital content; and a display adapted fordisplaying graphic information indicative of a preselected aspect of thedigital content.

In accordance with another example aspect, the present invention isdirected to a personal media player that generally includes auser-inaccessible memory having preloaded digital content storedtherein, wherein the digital content is inalterable by a user; amicroprocessor coupled to the memory; a user interface, coupled to themicroprocessor, adapted for receiving user input indicative of a desiredmanipulation of the digital content; and a book marking means,responsive to user input, adapted for associating a selected portion ofthe digital content with a bookmark. The media player preferably alsoincludes a display adapted for displaying graphic information indicativeof a preselected aspect of the digital content.

In accordance with yet another example aspect, the present invention isdirected to a personal media player that includes a user-inaccessiblememory having preloaded digital content stored therein, wherein thedigital content is inalterable by a user; a microprocessor coupled tothe memory; a user interface, coupled to the microprocessor, adapted forreceiving user input indicative of a desired manipulation of the digitalcontent; and a playback speed control means, responsive to user input,adapted for actuating playback of the digital content at a speed thatdiffers than normal playback speed. The media player preferably alsoincludes a display adapted for displaying graphic information indicativeof a preselected aspect of the digital content.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These, other features, and a more thorough understanding of the presentinvention may be achieved by referring to the following description andclaims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a functional illustration of an exemplary embodiment of thepersonal media player of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another exemplary embodiment of thepersonal media player of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exploded view of an exemplary embodimentof the personal media player of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary content loading systemaccording to the present invention.

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawingfigures, in which like reference numerals refer to like partsthroughout. Various embodiments in accordance with the present inventionprovide systems and methods for a media player having a fixed,non-consumer recordable content. The binding of the content to theplayer reduces unauthorized copying of the content and also enables theappearance of the player to be tailored to the content, aspects of bothof which will be more fully described hereinafter.

A functional illustration 10 of an exemplary player 2 is provided inFIG. 1. The exemplary player 2 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as a personal,portable media player 2 having digitally encapsulated fixed contenttherein, which content is preferably non-consumer modifiable and/ortransferable. The player 2 is generally configured with a microprocessor(μP) 4 and/or digital signal processor (DSP) 6 for processing andconverting the digital content contained in memory 8 for amplificationby an amplifier/digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 12.

The microprocessor 4 is coupled, directly or indirectly, to an optionaldisplay 14, which displays information relating to the content and/orthe status of the player 2. For example, the display 14 may be a liquidcrystal display (LCD) or an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or thelike, which monitors the battery status, play status, songtitle/artist/time, etc. The display 14 can also, in various exemplaryembodiments, operate as a screen for video playback or photoillustration and is preferably designed to consume nominal power toconserve energy, accomplished by conventional approaches known to one ofordinary skill in the art. Power conservation schemes for themicroprocessor 4 and DSP 6 may also be used, as according to designpreference. Various additional aspects of the display 14 will bediscussed hereinafter.

The microprocessor 4 preferably also operates to respond to user inputin a control interface 16. The control interface 16 contains standardcontrol functions, such as, for example, volume, play, stop, fastforward/skip, reverse, etc. Other control functions, such as, forexample, mode select, pause, random play, equalizer, bass/treble, etc.,may be implemented according to design preferences. Various additionalaspects of the control interface 16 will be discussed hereinafter.

Based on the type of microprocessor 4 utilized, the DSP 6 may not benecessary for various exemplary embodiments. It is well known that somemicroprocessors are capable of performing DSP functions. Accordingly,depending on the sophistication of the microprocessor chosen and thetype of decompression/conversion being performed on the stored content,the DSP 6 may not be a necessary element for performing the desiredfunction. Therefore, the microprocessor 4, if optionally present, may bedirectly coupled to the amplifier/DAC 12, for amplifying the contentextracted from the memory 8.

It should be appreciated that while FIG. 1 illustrates the memory 8 ashaving a “chip” like appearance, any type of memory capable of storingdigital content may be used. For example, any memory, whether in asingle or distributed configuration or, as commonly used, such as ROM,flash, DTP, a hard drive, etc., may be used for storing the content. Itshould also be appreciated that the memory 8 may be integrated into themicroprocessor 4 or DSP 6. It is well known that microprocessors or DSPsare capable of being designed with built-in memory, whether in cacheand/or static form. Accordingly, based on the availability and size ofbuilt-in memory, the stand-alone memory 8, as a separate component, maynot be necessary.

The digital content stored in the memory 8 may be in compressed form,according to any one or more of now known or future compression schemes,such as, for example, MP3, WAV, RA, OGG, AC, Atrac and WMx, and thelike. Video content can be accommodated, therefore, compression such asMPEG, JPEG, DV, and DiVx, etc. can be used. Compression, whether lossyor non-lossy, may be desired to increase the amount of content storablein the memory 8. Based on the compression scheme utilized, and the typeof fidelity desired, the content stored may encompass any type ofstorable content, ranging from a series of songs, an audible book, amovie, and the like. The content, if compressed, is suitablydecompressed or converted by the microprocessor 4 and/or the DSP 6,which is amplified and converted by the amplifier/DAC 12. The amplifiedcontent stream is conveyed to headphones 18 for aural presentation andto optional display 14 for visual presentation to the user.

Portions of or the entire control interface 16 may be attached to theheadphones 18 to conveniently enable a user to control the player 2, orthe headphones 18 may be of a wired variety or non-wired, comprising oneor more speaker elements. Additionally, the headphones 18 may beintegrally attached to the player 2, so as to prevent removal from theplayer 2, or, as seen in conventional player systems, removablyattachable thereto.

In the various exemplary embodiments having removable headphones 18, acorresponding headphone jack 7 (illustrated in FIG. 3) is preferably,but not necessarily, a standard headphone stereo jack, so as to enablecompatibility with standard headphone jack mating equipment.Accordingly, the player's headphone jack 7 may be connected to a homestereo or similar system to enable the user to enjoy the content usingspeakers or amplifiers other than that directly provided by the player.The headphone jack 7 may additionally facilitate the use of an FMtuner/broadcaster or other broadcast or playback mechanism, as iscommonly seen in other portable electronic devices.

An enclosure or “skin” 3 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as encompassing theplayer 2. The skin 3, in addition to providing an enclosure for theplayer 2, may be configured with a design for visual branding ofelements tied to the content in the memory 8 or to a third party. Thus,for example, the player 2 may suitably be preloaded with digital contentcorresponding to an audio book (i.e., an audible recording of anarration of a book). Further, thereto, the skin 3 may be configuredwith a design that generally corresponds to and optionally incorporatesvisual elements from a dust jacket or similar tangible item typicallyassociated with a physical copy of the book. Additionally, theconfiguration of the skin 3 may comprise a design and/or a shaping ofthe form of the enclosure. For example, the skin 3 may be shaped in theform of Mickey Mouse ears to convey a Disney-related content in theplayer 2. The skin 3 or exterior of the player 2 can also be altered toenable easier “wearability” of the player 2. For example, a ring or holein the skin of the player 2 can be accommodated to facilitate a lanyard,a clip, etc., to enable attachment to a user's person.

With continued reference to the wearability of the player 2, the player2 may optionally include a retractable clip 5 (FIG. 3) adapted for beingassociated with a lanyard, clip, and the like. As exemplary shown inFIG. 3, the retractable clip 5 is preferably provided as a generallyplanar member, optionally having a terminal flange-like member forenabling manipulation of the same, and having a hole or similar aperturetherein, which aperture permits association of the player 2 with a cord,cable or similar lanyard-like article. Further, the retractable clip 5is preferably provided as a retractable member, i.e., the clip 5 maysuitably be extended from the player 2 when it is desired to beassociated with a lanyard or similar feature, and may suitably beretracted into the player 2 when not needed. The retractable clip 5, ifoptionally present, is preferably disposed along an end of the player 2,thereby enabling the player 2 to be disposed about an individual's neckand lay against a chest of the same, in a manner generally akin to apress pass or similar worn article.

In various exemplary embodiments, the content encapsulated in memory 8is understood to be non-re-recordable by the user/consumer. As statedabove, the content may be of any form of digital audio, video,audio/video, multimedia, textual, graphical, etc., or any combinationthereof. The content is pre-loaded into the memory 8 prior to the user'sreceipt and, thus cannot be manipulated, overwritten, re-recorded by theuser. The memory 8, may be separately loaded from the player 2, havingcontent pre-loaded therein and, thereafter, inserted into the player 2,either during the player's 2 assembly or prior to distribution to auser.

It should be appreciated that, upon processing the digital informationor content from the memory 8, a step of performing a conversion from adigital format to an analog format is accomplished by the use ofdigital-to-analog converters DAC (shown in FIG. 1 as a combinedamplifier/DAC 12). The DAC may be a separate component from theamplifier and thus implemented between the microprocessor 4/DSP 6 andthe amplifier 12. Alternatively, the DAC may be situated between theamplifier 12 and the headphones 18 and/or the display 14.

It should be appreciated that in the exemplary embodiments having a“pre-loaded” content in the memory 8, the memory 8 is prevented frombeing subsequently removed from the player 2 by the user. The ability tosecure the memory 8 and thus the content in the player 2 can beaccomplished by using a 1-way mechanical latch in the player 2.Alternatively, an electrical fuse or a coating/lock-out scheme can beimplemented in the memory 8, preventing unauthorized removal of thememory 8 from the player 2. Similarly, access to the microprocessor 4for loading content into the memory 8 by a user, may restricted by anaccess code in the microprocessor 4.

Based on the exemplary player 2, a user, upon purchase or acquisition ofthe exemplary player 2 can immediately enjoy or access the content inthe player 2. Thus, the exemplary player 2 provides a “un-wrap and play”functionality. Moreover, since the content in the player 2 is fixed andnon-rerecordable, content providers and sponsors of the content and/orplayer and/or skin advertisements do not need to fear wholesale copyingof the content, as the content is only playable via the analog output tothe headphones 18 or a coupled device through the headphone jack.

FIG. 2 is an illustration 20 of a functional layout of various elementsof another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 2 shares many of the same components that weredescribed in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 1. For example, amicrocontroller 21 receives digitalized content from the memory 22. Thecontent is decompressed or processed by the microcontroller 21 andforwarded to the DAC 23. From the DAC 23, the content (now in analogform) is conveyed to the headphone jack 24. The microcontroller 21 alsoreceives inputs from the control 26 and outputs information to thedisplay 25. Given the capabilities of the display 25 chosen and the typeof content stored in the memory 22, the content as well as statusinformation may be passed on to the display 25, for viewing by the user.

The illustration of FIG. 2 includes a content loading capability. Thatis, a content loader interface 29 is provided in the exemplaryembodiment to enable an exterior content loader 28, to load content intothe memory 22. The content loader 28 is illustrated as coupling to thememory 22 via the headphone jack 24. In this configuration, the contentloading is facilitated by a male-like prong that protrudes into theheadphone jack 24 and mates with the content loader interface 29, toenable electrical communication with the content memory 22 and, ifnecessary, the microcontroller 21. Accordingly, in embodiments utilizinga headphone jack-through connection, the content loader interface 29will be “behind” the headphone jack 24 to enable contact with theexternal content loader connector. Via this external-to-internalconnection, content designated for downloading from the content loader28 can be communicated into the memory 22, without disassembling theplayer or requiring the content to be pre-loaded into the memory 22prior to assembly of the player.

An alternative scheme for externally loading content is also illustratedin FIG. 2 by the dashed line connecting the content loader 28 to thecontent loader interface 29. In this alternative scheme, an access portis accommodated within the battery housing or battery chamber 27. Viathis access port (not shown), the content loader 28 can similarly loadcontent into the memory 22. In this embodiment, it is contemplated thatthe content loader interface 29 will be exposed or considered accessiblewhen the battery is removed from the battery housing 27. Of course,other access ports or locations may be used according to designpreferences.

In an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the connection between the contentloader 28 and the content loader interface 29 is a serial interface,which is preferably, but not necessarily, a universal serial bus (USB)interface. Of course, other bus, or communication/transfer methodologiesor architectures may be utilized according to design preference, suchas, for example, Firewire, USB 2, etc. To prevent user access to memory22, the content loader interface may be configured with a code key orother mechanism to restrict unauthorized access. Alternatively, aspecific sequence of button 21 presses can be used to enable the memory22 to be loaded. As another alternative, separate hidden buttons areswitches could be used to enable programming of the memory 22. Thebuttons or switches would be accessible by one or more holes located inthe casing, which would be covered by the content sheet.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of exploded view 30 of the components of anexemplary embodiment of the player 2. The exploded view 30 illustrates aprinted circuit board (PCB) 32 containing electronics (such as describedin FIGS. 1 and 2) for performing the functions of the media player. Usercontrols 34, for controlling the playback and/or interaction with theplayer, are coupled to the PCB 32. An ear bud jack or external outputjack 7 in the casing frame 38 is provided for audio and/or video output.The casing frame 38 provides a supporting structure for the PCB 32 andfacilitates containment of a rechargeable or single use battery 42(preferably, but not necessarily, a AAA battery) which is fixed by alocking or securing cover 43. An exterior “branding” of the exemplaryplayer is facilitated by an attachable skin 3 that is affixable to thecasing through standard means, such as pressure-sensitive adhesive andthe like.

In various exemplary embodiments, the casing frame 38 is desired to beof a compact size to enable users to hand carry the player. The casingframe 38 can be significantly smaller than a hand carry size, such asthe size of a deck of cards, a matchbox or smaller, depending on designand the target market preference. Also, the casing frame 38 may beshaped to conform to a particular product or purpose. In one embodiment,the casing frame 38 is configured in a general wedge-like shape, asdepicted in FIG. 3.

The exemplary player may be configurable with an optional display 35 forillustrating various information regarding the content provided in theexemplary player. The display 35 is preferably coupled to the PCB 32 andto the supporting circuitry therein. In an exemplary embodiment, thedisplay 35 is an LCD or OLED having alphanumeric characterscorresponding to the track, chapter, etc. Backlighting of the display 35may be used according to the design preferences. The display 35 iscapable of going into a power conservation mode—e.g., turning off aftera specified number of seconds, or by explicit manipulation of the userinterface buttons 34. It is to be appreciated that types of displays 35other than LCDs or OLEDs may be used accordingly to design preference.

The display 35 may suitably be configured to graphically illustrate andprovide any desired and suitable information. In one embodiment, thedisplay 35 may suitably be configured to provide information (e.g., achapter number) identifying a portion of the preloaded content currentlybeing played by the player 2. In another embodiment, the display 35 maysuitably be configured to provide information identifying an amount oftime remaining for a particular portion (e.g., a chapter) of preloadedcontent being played. In yet another embodiment, the display 35 maysuitably be configured to provide a plurality of items of information.Further, thereto, the display 35 may suitably concurrently provide atleast two items of information, or may suitably provide one set ofinformation for a predetermined period of time (e.g., five seconds) andthen, upon expiration of the predetermined period of time, provideanother set of information, also for a predetermined period of time.Thus, for example, the display 35 may be configured to display anidentification of a currently being played chapter for five seconds andthen display a time remaining for that chapter, also for five seconds,after which the display 35 suitably returns to displaying the chapteridentification information. It is to be appreciated that any desirableinformation may be provided by the display 35, with various additionalexamples including, but not limited to, information indicative of avolume level, information related to various equalization aspects (e.g.,treble, bass, levels of various frequencies, and the like), batterystatus information (e.g., a full battery indicium, a half full batteryindicium, a nearly empty battery indicium, an empty battery indicium,and the like), playback speed information (as will be more fullydescribed hereinafter), bookmark information (as will also be more fullydescribed hereinafter), and the like.

It should be appreciated that while FIG. 3 illustrates the variouscomponents of an exemplary embodiment of the player 2 as beingconfigured with a casing “top” mated to the casing body, alternativearrangements made be contemplated without departing from the spirit andscope of this invention. For example, the casing “top” may be a “bottom”and the casing structures may be a single piece rather than the multiplepieces described herein. Further, the optional display 35 may be placedat other suitable locations in the player.

Through the user interface buttons 34 are illustrated in FIG. 3 as a setof three push buttons which are situated on the PCB 32, it should beappreciated that alternative button types (e.g. switches, toggles,sensors) or configurations or locations may be used. For example, lessor more buttons that are capacitive, resistive, or based on other commonor future derived interface mechanisms can be implemented. Also, in anexemplary embodiment utilizing buttons, the functionalities of thebuttons may be varied according to design preference. These variationsof user interface buttons are well known in the art and, therefore, theyare not further detailed herein. Additional aspects of the buttons 34will be discussed hereinafter.

For exemplary embodiments capable of being loaded with content afterassembly of the player, a bus interface for loading content into thememory is provided. The interface is situated interior to the casing andin accessible through a port located, for example, within the batteryslot to enable a coupler to be inserted therein. The interface may alsobe situated interior to the headphone jack. The interface may be coded,electronically or mechanically, to prevent unauthorized loading ofcontent into the player. Methods for defeating unauthorized use of theinterface are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art and are,therefore, not detailed herein.

In another embodiment, the player can function without a display. Sincea display is not provided, the audio content in the player is suitablykeyed with audible cues to the user. For example, when pressing a fastforward button, the microprocessor will generate a tone or soundindicating a fast forward operation. For example, an audible voicesaying “fast forward” may be used to notify the user of the “mode” beinginvoked as being a fast forward operation. Such “tags” could be storedon memory resident in the microprocessor, or may be stored in thecontent memory.

Further, the content itself may be keyed with information indicating thetile of the song/piece/trade being played. Thus, “metatagging” toidentify the song, artist, chapter, section, etc. could be encoded intothe player as a separate asset or with the content. Methods for addingaudible information to assist in tracking the operation of the playerare well known and, therefore, not further detailed herein. Such methodsmay also be utilized in embodiments with a display.

Image or information relating to the content of the player can beprovided on the exterior of the player. The images maybe affixed to theplayer by use of attachable content sheet as discussed in FIG. 3 or thecontent sheet maybe obviated by directly imprinting on the player'scasing the image or information provided by the “flap”. Of course, othermethods for placing an image or text on the exterior of the player maybe used according to design preference.

In another exemplary embodiment, button configurations and profile canbe slightly rearranged. Accordingly, modifications to the arrangementand the shape, size, attributes, etc. of the player and the componentstherein may be contemplated without departing from the spirit and scopeof this invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a content loading system 70 for loadingcontent in a post-assembled operation. Mass loading of content can befacilitated by the use of a communication bus 72 (parallel and/orserial) coupled to a content loader 74 and the “to-be-loaded” players76. Connection to the players 76 can be accomplished by any of themethods described herein or by methods that are known in the art. Thecontent loader 74 is illustrated in FIG. 4 as a personal computersystem; however, it should be appreciated that any computing or datasharing device may be used without departing from the spirit and scopeof this invention. It should also be appreciated that in a mass downloadoperation, discrimination or selection of different content to differentrespective players 76 can be facilitated by a multiplexing the contentover the bus and designating codes or protocols that enable differentplayers to receive different content.

While FIG. 4 illustrates a plurality of players being loaded orprogrammed, a single player loading action can be performed as well. Forexample, a laptop or similarly functioning device, pre-configured tooperate as a content loader 74 may be used to load content into a singleplayer 76 at a kiosk or a store. It should be appreciated that in astore or kiosk environment, the skin or content sheet may be custom made“on the spot” and affixed to the player to afford a degree ofcustomizability to the player and for the customer.

Due to the ability of the player to be “pre-loaded” with non-removablecontent prior to use by the customer, and the compact size of theplayer, the player is well suited as an audio-book, as well as foreducational or informational dissemination purposes. For example, theplayer can be configured with medical information relating to a diseasethat a patient is suffering from and be provided to a patient, for theirprivate listening and education. Similarly, city tours, museum tours,group trainings and orientations can be privately experienced at thecustomer's and/or employee's leisure, without requiring VCR or DVDplayer or similar electronic devices that are bulky and also expensiveto provide. Along these lines, the player is well suited for personaltutoring/coaching and can perform as an effective substitute for lengthymanuals and do-it-yourself programs. For products that are soldoverseas, the players can be bundled with the product and configuredwith instructions or information in the native language. Due to theability to be instantly playable, the player's content may be directedto advertising, to exploit the proximity of the customer's potential useof the player, within the venue of the seller of the player or a sponsorof the player. Thus, significant uses, here thereto, unknown in theindustry can be developed and exploited by the use of a compact,portable, self-contained, fixed content player.

As previously mentioned, the player 2 of the present invention isparticularly adapted for use as an audio book player. In an effort toprovide a consumer with a more book-like experience, the player 2contains certain features and configurations that accentuate theplayer's 2 book-like characteristics, while minimizing the electronicaspects of the same, but still providing a useful device. Furtherthereto, and as will be more fully described hereinafter, variousaspects of the player 2 that accentuate its book-like characteristicsinclude, by way of example, a user interface that has been modified soas to reduce its electronic profile and various other features that moreclosely approximate the book reading experience.

Returning to a discussion of the user interface, and, more specificallythe buttons 34, the buttons 34 are preferably configured so as to bephysically unobtrusive and more seamlessly integrated into the player 2.Reducing the size profile and obtrusiveness of the buttons 34 suitablyreduces the electronic appearance of the player 2 by deemphasizing theuser interface and emphasizing the content provided on the skin 3.

Turning to FIG. 3, illustrated is an example embodiment of buttons 34that conform to the above mentioned aims and preferably incorporatesmembrane switch technology. As known to one of ordinary skill in theart, membrane switches provide the generally same functionality asconventional buttons, but are able to be disposed at a significantlyreduced (relative to conventional buttons) vertical height. As shown inthe FIG. 3, a membrane switch 37 is preferably disposed between thecasing 38 and the skin 3 and is communicably associated with the variouselectronic components of the player 2. More specifically, the skin 3preferably includes a plurality of graphic indicia thereon, eachindicium of which generally corresponds to a button 34. The membraneswitch 37 is preferably disposed beneath the portion of the skin 3 thatfeatures the graphic buttons 34 so that, as one of the buttons 34 on theskin 3 is depressed by a user, a portion of the membrane switch 37corresponding to the depressed button suitably is actuated and transmitsthe appropriate functional directions to the electronic components ofthe player 2. Although a membrane switch has been described, it is to beappreciated that any suitable device may be employed for reducing thesize profile of the buttons 34.

With further reference to the buttons 34, the player 2 is preferablyconfigured to feature any number of appropriate and suitable buttons 34.In a preferred embodiment, the player 2 is configured to include eightbuttons, each of which is preferably associable with a discrete functionthat enables selective interfacing with the digital content.Additionally, the buttons 34, regardless of the number thereof present,are preferably disposed parametrically about the display 14.

As previously mentioned, the player 2 of the present invention maysuitably be loaded with a range of different types of digital content,such as music content, audio book content, educational content, and thelike. As known to one of ordinary skill in the art, different contentmay suitably require a different set of interface buttons. For example,music content may require conventional button functions, such as, forexample, power, play, pause, reverse, forward, chapter skip, and thelike. Conversely, audio book content may require different buttonfunctionality, such as, for example, power, play, pause, reverse,forward, set and/or delete bookmark, volume speed control, and the like.The player 2 of the present invention is preferably adapted toaccommodate the plurality of alternate functions that may be ascribed tothe various buttons 34. Specifically and by way of preferred example, asdigital content is loaded onto the player 2, preferably in accordancewith the example methods described above, particular functions can beprogrammatically ascribed to each of the buttons in a content-dependantmanner. Thus, for example, if the player 2 is loaded with digitalcontent corresponding to an audio book, the buttons may suitably beascribed functions appropriate for interfacing with audio book content(e.g., power, play, pause, bookmark, variable speed control, volume, andthe like). By way of additional example, if the player 2 is loaded withdigital content corresponding to general music or similar content, thebuttons may suitably be ascribed functions appropriate for interfacingwith music content (e.g., power, play, pause, fast forward/reverse,chapter skip, volume, and the like).

As previously generally described, the skin 3 associable with the player2 may suitably be customized to display any desired information and/orgraphic indicia through printing, silk screening or similar method. Theskin 3 is preferably configured to include graphic illustrations ofbuttons that positionally overlie appropriate contact surfaces of themembrane switch 37. As is evident, the skin 3 can be produced to includeany desired graphic indicia thereon. Accordingly, if the player 2 isloaded with content corresponding to, e.g., audio book content and thebuttons are configured to enable functionality relevant to interfacingwith, e.g., audio book content, the skin 3 is preferably produced toinclude graphically illustrated buttons, each of which suitably enablesfacile identification of the function tied to each particular button.

With continued reference to the programmability example embodiment ofthe player 2, the buttons 34 may suitably include various buttons thatare tied to a function that remains constant regardless of the digitalcontent loaded on the player 2, and may suitably also include variousbuttons that remain variable, the function of which is determined on acontent basis. With reference to an example constant function button,the player 2 may suitably include a button that corresponds to apower/play/pause functionality regardless of the content loaded on theplayer 2. This button may suitable enable powering on and/or off of theplayer 2 through actuation of the button, even more preferably throughactuation of the button for a predetermined period of time (e.g., bydepressing the button for a continuous e.g., three seconds, the player 2is actuated to alternate between a powered and a non-powered state). Theplayer 2 may additionally be configured to automatically power off itremains in a paused state and/or nothing is interfaced with theheadphone jack for a predetermined period of time, such as one hundredand eighty seconds. With continued reference to the power/play/pauseexample button, brief actuation of the button (e.g., generally quicklydepressing the button) suitably causes digital content to play and/or tobe paused.

With reference to another example constant function button, the player 2may suitably include a button that corresponds to a reverse functionregardless of the content loaded on the player 2. Actuation of thisbutton suitably causes the digital content to reverse a predeterminedamount (e.g., five seconds, ten seconds, fifteen seconds, and the like)and/or to play in a reverse direction, but at an accelerated rate for apredetermined period of time and/or as long as the button is depressed.The player 2 may suitably also include an additional constant functionbutton corresponding to a forward function that enables the generallysame functionality of the reverse function button, but with reference toa forward directional orientation of the content.

With reference to yet another example constant function button, theplayer 2 may suitably include a button that corresponds to a reversechapter skip function regardless of the content loaded on the player 2.Actuation of this button suitably causes the digital content to reversea predetermined amount (e.g., thirty seconds, sixty seconds, and thelike) and/or to reverse to a location within the digital content (e.g.,to a previous chapter stop). The player 2 may suitably also include anadditional constant function button corresponding to a forward chapterskip function that enables the generally same functionality as thereverse chapter skip button, but with reference to a forward directionalorientation of the content.

As previously mentioned, the player 2 may additionally include variablefunction buttons, other than the constant function buttons, havingfunctions tied thereto, which functions are determined programmaticallyat the time of content loading so that the buttons may enablefunctionality appropriate to the digital content loaded on the player 2.The player 2 may include any appropriate number of variable functionbuttons, depending on the particular needs and desires for player 2functionality.

With reference to the variable function buttons, the player 2 maysuitably include a button that corresponds to a volume up function.Actuation of this button suitably causes the digital content to beplayed at a volume generally higher than the volume at which it wasbeing played prior to actuation of the button. The player 2 may suitablyalso include an additional variable function button corresponding to avolume down function that enables generally the same functionality asthe volume up button, but with reference to reducing the relative volumeof the player 2. The volume control buttons preferably remain variableso that the location of the buttons may be optimized relative to theother variable function buttons.

With reference to another variable function button, the player 2 maysuitably include a button that corresponds to an equalizer function. Anequalizer button is preferably provided in connection with digitalcontent generally corresponding to music or similar content. In apreferred embodiment, the player 2 is configured to include a pluralityof equalizer settings (e.g., a rock equalizer setting, a jazz equalizersetting, a classical equalizer setting, a special effects equalizersetting (e.g., one that mimics the sound of the music as if being playedin a particular venue (e.g., a cathedral, a small concert room, and thelike)), and the like), the function and utility of such equalizersettings being known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Actuation ofthe equalizer button suitably causes the player 2 to cycle the equalizerto the next setting of the plurality of settings and to play the digitalcontent in accordance with the equalizer setting.

With reference to yet another variable function button, the player 2 maysuitably include a button that corresponds to a book marking function,which function has generally been referenced hereinabove. A book-markingbutton is preferably provided in connection with digital contentgenerally corresponding to audio book or similar content. As known, whenreading a physical book, a reader thereof typically prefers tophysically place an item (e.g., a bookmark) between pages of the book soas to enable ready identification of the last portion read or of otherareas that the reader deigns merits further reading and/or attention.Preferably, the player 2 of the present invention incorporates a similarfeature as applied to the digital content. Specifically, one of thevariable function buttons is preferably tied to a book-marking featurethat enables a user to associate a particular portion of the digitalcontent with a bookmark. Thus, for example, if a user is listening to aportion of the content and desires to enable ready return to thatportion, the user depresses the book-marking button so that that portionof the content is associated with an identifier. When the user desiresto return to the bookmarked portion, the user suitably directs theplayer 2 to identify the bookmarked portion and begin playing from thatpoint. In an embodiment, the book-marking button may suitably enableboth setting of a bookmark and return to a set bookmark. For example, ifa user desires to set a bookmark, the user suitably depresses thebook-marking button for a predetermined period of time, such as fiveseconds. By way of additional example, when the user desires to returnto the bookmarked portion, the user suitably quickly depresses thebook-marking button, which depressing causes the player 2 to return tothe bookmarked passage. It is to be appreciated that multiple bookmarksmay suitably be set and access to the multiple bookmarks may be enabledthrough any desired method. For example, if multiple bookmarks are set,quick depression of the book marking button may suitably display abookmark. Repeated quick depressions of the same button may suitablyseriatim scroll through the available bookmarks. When the desiredbookmark is displayed, the user may depress any suitable button, such asthe play button, to cause the player 2 to initiate playing from thatbookmark. It is also to be appreciated that the foregoing discussion ofbook marking features and functionality is by way of example only andthat any suitable and conventional approach may be employed forimplementing book marking.

With reference to another variable function button, the player 2 maysuitably include a button that corresponds to a variable speed voicecontrol function. A variable speed voice control function is mostpreferably employed in connection with digital content corresponding toaudio book, instructional or other general narrative content. Certainusers may optimally enjoy and benefit from listening to certain contentif the content may be played at either a reduced or accelerated speed.Accordingly, the variable speed voice control function of the presentinvention suitably enables a user to direct the player 2 to play thecontent either at a reduced speed or at an accelerated speed. In anembodiment, quick and seriatim depression of the variable speed controlbutton suitably causes the display to alternatively display any of theplayback speed options available (e.g., half speed, quarter speed, oneand one quarter speed, one and one half speed, double speed, and thelike). When the desired playback speed option is displayed, the userselects that option through any suitable means, such as depressing thevariable speed voice control button for an extended period of time,depressing the play button, depressing a discrete variable speed voicecontrol select button, or any other suitable button. Thus, throughinteraction with the variable speed control button, users with reducedaural comprehension abilities may enjoy listening to the content at areduced speed, while users with enhanced aural comprehension abilitiesmay enjoy listening to the content at an accelerated speed.

With further reference to a previously described video-relatedembodiment, the portable media player 2 of the present invention maysuitably be modified for video capability, in addition to the audiocapability. In one embodiment, the player 2 may suitably include thedisplay 14 as an integral component thereof, and on which display videocontent stored in the player 2 is played. In an alternative embodiment,the player 2 may suitably be configured to interface with an externaldisplay (e.g., a television, a CRT, a laptop computer, and the like) andtransmit the video content to the external display for playback thereon.Further, thereto, the player 2 may suitably include a transmission meansfor enabling the player 2 to communicate its video content to theexternal display. The transmission means may suitably be provided as anysuitable means such as, by way of non-limiting example, a radiofrequency transmitter (e.g., UHF, VHF, etc.), a Bluetooth™ transmitter,a transmitter compliant with an 802.11 protocol, and the like. Thetransmission means may suitably also provide for a hardwired connectionbetween the player 2 and the external display, with the player 2including an appropriate interface and/or jack therefore (e.g., auniversal serial bus jack, a composite video jack, an S-video jack, andthe like).

Although the invention has been described with regard to certainpreferred example embodiments, it is to be understood that the presentdisclosure has been made by way of example only, and that improvements,changes and modifications in the details of construction and thecombination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such improvements,changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to becovered by the scope of the appended claims.

1. A personal media player comprising: a user-inaccessible memory havingpreloaded digital content stored therein, wherein the digital content isinalterable by a user; a microprocessor coupled to the memory; a userinterface, coupled to the microprocessor, adapted for receiving userinput indicative of a desired manipulation of the digital content; andtransmission means adapted for transmitting the digital content to anexternal device for playback thereby.
 2. The personal media player ofclaim 1, wherein the preloaded digital content comprises video content.3. The personal media player of claim 2, wherein the transmission meanscomprises a wireless transmitter.
 4. The personal media player of claim3 further comprising an antenna coupled to the transmission means. 5.The personal media player of claim 4, wherein the transmitter isselected from the group consisting of an 802.11 transmitter, an 802.16transmitter, a Bluetooth™ transmitter, a radio frequency transmitter,and an infrared transmitter.
 6. The personal media player of claim 2,wherein the transmission means comprises a universal serial bus portadapted to interface with a universal serial bus cable.
 7. The personalmedia player of claim 2, wherein the transmission means comprises anoutput adaptor adapted to interface with at least one of a videotransmission cable and an audio transmission cable.
 8. The personalmedia player of claim 2 further comprising a display for visual playbackof the video content.
 9. The personal media player of claim 2 furthercomprising book marking means, responsive to user input, adapted forassociating a selected portion of the video content with a bookmark. 10.The personal media player of claim 9 further comprising a bookmarkrecalling means, responsive to user input, adapted for actuatingplayback of the video content from a position of proximity to thebookmark.
 11. The personal media player of claim 2 further comprisingplayback speed control means, responsive to user input, adapted foractuating playback of the video digital content at a speed that differsthan normal playback speed.
 12. The personal media player of claim 11,wherein the playback speed control means is adapted to actuate playbackof the video digital content at a speed that is slower than normalplayback speed.
 13. The personal media player of claim 11, wherein theplayback speed control means is adapted to actuate playback of the videodigital content at a speed that is faster than normal playback speed.14. A personal media player comprising: a user-inaccessible memoryhaving preloaded digital video content stored therein, wherein thedigital video content is inalterable by a user; a microprocessor coupledto the memory; a user interface, coupled to the microprocessor, adaptedfor receiving user input indicative of a desired manipulation of thedigital content; and transmission means adapted for transmitting thedigital content to an external device for playback thereby.
 15. Thepersonal media player of claim 14, wherein the transmission meanscomprises a wireless transmitter.
 16. The personal media player of claim15 further comprising an antenna coupled to the transmission means. 17.The personal media player of claim 15, wherein the transmitter isselected from the group consisting of an 802.11 transmitter, an 802.16transmitter, a Bluetooth™ transmitter, a radio frequency transmitter,and an infrared transmitter.
 18. The personal media player of claim 14,wherein the transmission means comprises a universal serial bus portadapted to interface with a universal serial bus cable.
 19. The personalmedia player of claim 14, wherein the transmission means comprises anoutput adaptor adapted to interface with at least one of a videotransmission cable and an audio transmission cable.
 20. The personalmedia player of claim 14 further comprising a display for visualplayback of the video content.
 21. The personal media player of claim 14further comprising book marking means, responsive to user input, adaptedfor associating a selected portion of the video content with a bookmark.22. The personal media player of claim 21 further comprising a bookmarkrecalling means, responsive to user input, adapted for actuatingplayback of the video content from a position of proximity to thebookmark.
 23. The personal media player of claim 14 further comprisingplayback speed control means, responsive to user input, adapted foractuating playback of the video digital content at a speed that differsthan normal playback speed.
 24. The personal media player of claim 20,wherein the playback speed control means is adapted to actuate playbackof the video digital content at a speed that is slower than normalplayback speed.
 25. The personal media player of claim 20, wherein theplayback speed control means is adapted to actuate playback of the videodigital content at a speed that is faster than normal playback speed.26. A personal media player comprising: a user-inaccessible memoryhaving preloaded digital video content stored therein, wherein thedigital video content is inalterable by a user; a microprocessor coupledto the memory; a user interface, coupled to the microprocessor, adaptedfor receiving user input indicative of a desired manipulation of thedigital content; transmission means adapted for transmitting the digitalcontent to an external device for playback thereby; and an antennacoupled to the transmission means.
 27. The personal media player ofclaim 26, wherein the transmission means comprises a wirelesstransmitter.
 28. The personal media player of claim 27, wherein thetransmitter is selected from the group consisting of an 802.11transmitter, an 802.16 transmitter, a Bluetooth™ transmitter, a radiofrequency transmitter, and an infrared transmitter.
 29. The personalmedia player of claim 26, wherein the transmission means comprises auniversal serial bus port adapted to interface with a universal serialbus cable.
 30. The personal media player of claim 26, wherein thetransmission means comprises an output adaptor adapted to interface withat least one of a video transmission cable and an audio transmissioncable.
 31. The personal media player of claim 26 further comprising adisplay for visual playback of the video content.
 32. The personal mediaplayer of claim 26 further comprising book marking means, responsive touser input, adapted for associating a selected portion of the videocontent with a bookmark.
 33. The personal media player of claim 32further comprising a bookmark recalling means, responsive to user input,adapted for actuating playback of the video content from a position ofproximity to the bookmark.
 34. The personal media player of claim 26further comprising playback speed control means, responsive to userinput, adapted for actuating playback of the video digital content at aspeed that differs than normal playback speed.
 35. The personal mediaplayer of claim 34, wherein the playback speed control means is adaptedto actuate playback of the video digital content at a speed that isslower than normal playback speed.
 36. The personal media player ofclaim 34, wherein the playback speed control means is adapted to actuateplayback of the video digital content at a speed that is faster thannormal playback speed.